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Cruise News - August 30, 2010

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Efforts by the vessel's crew to dislodge the vessel during high tide on August 28th were unsuccessful so a request for assistance was made to Canadian authorities. All 168 passengers, and 69 crew were reported safe and unharmed.

Canadian authorities dispatched the Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Amundsen to help evacuate passengers and the evacuation was completd earlier this afternoon. The Aumndsen is currently headed towards to the community of Kugluktuk where the passengers are scheduled to be flown to Edmonton, Alberta.

From Carnival's first-ever pub, featuring its own private label beer, to an authentic trattoria that brings the heritage of Carnival's Italian captains to the table, to an expansive outdoor sports complex featuring the first-ever ropes coarse and outdoor weight-lifting area on a cruise ship - along with cruising's first gargantuan water dump bucket - Carnival Magic is destined to be the most innovative "Fun Ship" to date. Carnival fans can journey to the Carnival Magic's new online home, www.carnivalmagic.com, to see and learn more about this 3,690-passenger vessel.

"The Carnival Magic is packed with opportunities to share exhilarating fun, celebratory toasts and fine dining, extraordinary entertainment and blissful relaxation," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "This ship offers a truly one-of-a-kind vacation environment with spaces and features designed to provide exceptional experiences that will create magical memories to last a lifetime."

Carnival Magic offers vacationers a variety of innovative and inspirational opportunities for fun, relaxation and enjoyment including:

RedFrog Pub - An exciting new concept, the RedFrog Pub offers a laid-back Caribbean vibe with island-inspired snacks and drinks, including ThirstyFrog Red, a private-label draught beer brewed especially for Carnival Magic. Located on Promenade Deck 5, the 100-seat indoor/outdoor pub is a convivial place where guests can relax, meet new friends, sip a frozen cocktail, and nosh on Bahamian conch salad, grouper fingers, firecracker Jamaican chicken wings, and other Caribbean favorites. RedFrog Pub will also offer tastings of top-rated rums of the Caribbean and a collection of the region's best beers. With a nod to Carnival Magic's Caribbean itineraries which kick off in November 2011, RedFrog Pub's decor is decidedly British West Indies meets Key West, evoking the warmth and friendliness of a local island watering hole. Nautical-themed interiors with rich wood details, vibrant tile work, portholes, and images of ships at sea, along with foosball and shuffleboard tables and a jukebox, complete the playful pub atmosphere.

Cucina del Capitano ("The Captain's Kitchen") -- An homage to Carnival's rich Italian lineage - all of the line's captains are Italian and many Carnival ships, including Carnival Magic, are built in Italy - Cucina del Capitano is a delicious dinner-time option with made-to-order Italian favorites in comfortable, relaxed surroundings. Here, guests can dine on hand-made pastas, risotto and fresh-from-the-oven Italian specialties - many served family style - complemented by a wine list specializing in Italian vintages. Many of the dishes and recipes were hand-selected by Carnival's captains. Framed archival photographs, many from the captains' personal collections, table arrangements that invite conversation, wood-beam ceilings, and ornate wrought ironwork recreate the ambiance of a cozy Italian home, while warm, attentive service makes diners feel like they're part of the family. Truly an unforgettable dining experience. Dinner carries a nominal fee. During the day, the space is utilized as a casual made-to-order pasta bar with items offered on a complimentary basis.

SportsSquare - Sports junkies rejoice. Taking Carnival's popular outdoor recreation areas to an entirely new level is SportsSquare, which features the cruise industry's first ropes course where thrill-seeking guests can traverse across nets suspended above Spa Deck 12 and offering spectacular views to the sea nearly 150 feet below. Surrounded by an eighth-mile jogging track, the expansive SportsSquare complex also includes the first outdoor weightlifting area on a cruise ship, along with Carnival's first two-level miniature golf course, a Vita exercise course, a lighted multi-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and soccer, along with ping pong and foosball tables. A full bar with a large flat-screen display is available for those who just want to relax and check out the sports action in the area or on TV. Carnival Magic's other top-deck amenities include the splash-tastic WaterWorks aqua park that will offer even more thrills with an exhilarating "Twister" spiral water slide, as well as the new Aqua Play splash park designed for youngsters and their families, featuring a gigantic, 500-gallon "dump bucket" and a host of other wet 'n wild features. Resort-style pool areas offer the perfect venue for catching rays or some Zs.

Cruisers will also find a variety of signature "Fun Ship" elements on Carnival Magic, including:

Expansive Family-Friendly Spaces - The ultimate family vacation, Carnival Magic offers more than 19,000 square feet of space catering to kids and families, including dedicated spaces for children (Camp Carnival), 'tweens (Circle "C") and teens (Club O2), with organized activities and enthusiastic counselors for each group.

Serenity - The ideal space for some adult-only "me" time, Serenity offers comfortable chaise lounges and chairs, hammocks, colorful umbrellas and two jumbo-sized whirlpools, along with full bar service specializing in frothy, icy concoctions.

Cloud 9 Spa - Guests in the mood for a workout or some personal pampering can visit this stunning and sophisticated facility. At the Cloud 9 Spa, troubles melt away as guests soak in the soothing thalassotherapy pool, unwind in the elaborate thermal suite or just take in the elegant, serene surroundings.

Stateroom Innovations - With 1,845 staterooms, Carnival Magic offers a wide array of accommodation types, including two-bathroom/five-berth cabins and connecting staterooms that hold particular appeal to families; cove balcony cabins closer to the water line; and spa staterooms providing special access and benefits.

Food, Glorious Food - Whether its authentic delicacies from India and China, a full-service meal in an elegant, two-level dining room, a late-night slice of pizza, an exquisite meal in a classic American steakhouse, or just a burger by the pool, Carnival Magic offers a tantalizing array of international cuisines sure to satisfy every palate.

Dazzling Entertainment - From a laugh-out-loud Punchliner Comedy Club, live bands along the promenade, Superstar Live Karaoke where guests sing to channel their inner rock star fronting a four-piece band, or dazzling production shows incorporating the latest special effects, nights are truly special aboard Carnival Magic.

Carnival's Seaside Theatre - This 270-square-foot LED screen and poolside seating is the perfect spot for guests to sit back, relax and watch classic and first-run movies, sporting events, news, concerts and other programming, either during the day or night.

Ocean Plaza - A place to see and be seen, Ocean Plaza is a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue where guests can dance to live music and enjoy specialty coffees and sweets - even freshly made milkshakes. Full bar service, specializing in martinis and mojitos, is also available.

The Lanai - Taking the traditional cruise-ship promenade to new heights, The Lanai is a half-mile, open-air promenade encircling Promenade Deck 5. Here, guests can stroll while enjoying spectacular ocean vistas, curl up with a good book, soak up some sun in a comfortable deck chair, or relax in one of four cantilevered whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides.

Fun Hub - Available on any guests' Internet-connected laptop or at dozens of convenient locations throughout the ship is the Fun Hub, a social network and comprehensive shipboard intranet portal that provides access to a variety of information on Carnival Magic's services, facilities and daily activities. Carnival Magic will also offer bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and cell phone service.

Carnival Magic's many unique innovations are highlighted in an interactive micro-site, www.carnivalmagic.com, which features a full-screen virtual tour, exclusive images and videos, construction footage and more. The site also contains details on a series of unique and exciting contests and promotions Carnival will offer for fun fans to add their personal touches on Carnival Magic leading up to the ship's maiden voyage.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 - Oct. 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port's largest year-round cruise ship.

Depending on the voyage itinerary, guests can enjoy the best of both coasts, including exotic locales such as Acapulco, Curaçao and St. Thomas:

• Panama Canal Treasures, departs 13 January 2011 from New York, calling on Fort Lauderdale, Oranjestad (Aruba), Panama Canal transit, Puntarenas (Costa Rica), Huatulco (Mexico), Acapulco (Mexico), Manzanillo (Mexico) and Los Angeles

• Panama Canal Adventure, departs 3 March 2011 from Los Angeles, with stops in Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Puerto Vallarta (Mexico), Ixtapa (Mexico), Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala), Panama City (Panama), Panama Canal transit, Willemstad (Curaçao) and Fort Lauderdale

• Roundtrip Panama Canal, departs roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on 18 March 2011, calling on Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas), Philipsburg (St. Maarten), St. George’s (Grenada), Bonaire (Antilles) and a partial transit of the Panama Canal

Every voyage on Cunard offers the opportunity to create memorable experiences and provides a sense of occasion. Aboard Queen Victoria, guests revel in the luxury of time, experiencing such Cunard hallmarks as traditional afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters, dressing up for formal nights and Royal themed balls, an engaging variety of intellectual and stimulating pursuits – including fencing – and extraordinary dining rivaling the finest restaurants in the world.

In grand Cunard tradition, Queen Victoria is designed in the spirit of the floating palaces of the past. Having debuted in December 2007, she captured the world stage in a way few ships ever do – becoming one of the most fęted ships to be introduced in recent years and quickly establishing herself in the Cunard fleet. Every inch of the 2,000-passenger liner is infused with a sense of luxury and tradition, from the Royal Court Theatre, which includes the first private viewing boxes at sea, to the signature two-storey library with a spiral staircase and nearly 6,000 volumes. Queen Victoria features double- and triple-height public rooms that evoke the rich and well-recorded history of ocean liner and Victorian era design. Most distinctive of all, of course, is the Line’s legendary White Star Service for which Cunard is renowned.

"Holidays aboard Crystal ships are always lavish affairs, with unforgettable banquets and parties and decorations planned for families and friends traveling and celebrating together," says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment.

Crystal Symphony will sport a sophisticated palette, beginning with three heralding angels, complete with lushly feathered wings and golden trumpets, overlooking the Crystal Plaza. In the Bistro, an Eiffel Tower Christmas tree with apropos coffee-themed ornaments will be lit from within, while golden- and white-feathered trees are set throughout the Avenue of the Stars and Crystal Cove.

Suiting Crystal Serenity's Caribbean destinations, tropically dressed penguins and polar bears will serve as Santa's helpers in the Palm Court lobby, with snowflakes and lighted icicles at virtually every turn. The Stardust lounge will become Santa's workshop, and a chic, cocktail-themed tree will hang upside-down in Pulse nightclub, while Silk Road and The Sushi Bar display chopstick-laden trees.

Christmas brings traditional feasts, eggnog and holiday shows, while a black-tie New Year's Eve party rings in the New Year. Clergy will be on board for religious services.

The fact that people are not using all of their vacation days is well documented and the statistics are staggering. According to data released in a 2009 vacation study1, U.S. adults who only receive an average of 13 vacation days per year typically leave three days unused. When considering that the U.S. Bureau of Labor & Statistics has recorded approximately 153 million employed Americans, this means that each year an average of 459 million vacation days are going unused in the United States. Based on these overwhelming facts, Royal Caribbean is encouraging consumers to use their hard-earned vacation days and reminding them that even The President - a person with arguably one of the hardest jobs in America - needs to get away every now and then.

"Vacations are not a luxury, they're a necessity," says John de Graaf, Executive Director of Take Back Your Time, a nonprofit organization that studies issues related to overwork. "Men who take them are 32% less likely to suffer from heart disease than those who don't. For women, it's 50%. And women who don't take vacations are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression. Pass them by at your peril."

Championing a "cruise them, don't lose them" message, Royal Caribbean is giving vacation-deprived consumers encouragement to leave their desks behind in favor of some much needed rest and relaxation. The cruise line has recently launched a compelling video - Vacation Daze - showcasing the irony of letting vacation days expire and the absurdity of this unfortunate reality. The video can be seen at www.youtube.com/royalcaribbeanintl. For solutions and a variety of cruise options to fit all schedules, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or contact your travel agent.

"The average American spends 261 days commuting, filling out time sheets and wondering what's for dinner. As Labor Day marks the end of summer, we wanted to shine a spotlight on this perennial issue and also remind people to take a much needed and hard-earned break, even if it's just for a couple of days," states Betsy O'Rourke, SVP Marketing, Royal Caribbean International.

A recent travel industry survey2 suggests that close to half (45%) of working Americans let hard-earned time-away go to waste in 2009; furthermore, three-quarters (78%) anticipate leaving as many as 10 vacation days on the table in 2010. Why the annual commitment to all work and no play? Most confess that coordinating schedules with family and friends is too difficult (51%) or they are not able to afford a "real vacation" (40%); others admit it is less about personal situations and more about work-life being too busy to enjoy time away (47%). While consumers express pessimism towards the possibility of a work escape, adults who choose to go on vacation feel reconnected with the family (53%), more productive and positive about their jobs (34%), as well as the health benefits of being rested and rejuvenated.

Carnival Magic marks the fourth new Carnival ship that the highly experienced mariner has introduced. He also served as the captain during the inaugural seasons of the Carnival Inspiration in 1996, Carnival Spirit in 2001, and Carnival Valor in 2004.

Under Captain Cutugno’s command, Carnival Magic will debut with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises from May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011.

Following a 16-day transatlantic crossing, the ship will launch year-round seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston Nov. 14, 2011.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	30.84	- 2.16%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	24.52	- 1.96%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.29	+ 6.51%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Cunard's Queen Mary 2 includes a feature from one of the great liners of the past. The feature is designed to cover the forward deck gear and give the ship a more graceful look. What is the feature called and what ship provided the inspiration for Queen Mary 2?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Which liner was the favorite of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for Atlantic crossings during the 1950's? On crossings they would always book the same suites and travel with nearly 100 pieces of luggage and their pug dogs.

Answer - The favorite liner of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in the 1950's was the United States. They switched to the then new USL liner because of the panache of her speed record, and also because Cunard Line had informed them that they would have to charge the couple a baggage handling fee for the extensive number of bags and trunks they carried, and would no longer honor the "free passage" Cunard had provided for members of the Royal Family.
courtesy of helaw@msn.com

Cruise News - August 23, 2010

After three days at sea, Queen Elixabeth entered a drydock in in Trieste and water begam drining from the dock. Once thsi was completed, workers from Fincantieri began preparing the exterior of the hull for the final coat of paint. Queen Elizabeth will remain in drydock until the end of the month at which time she will leave for her second, and hopefully, final set of sea trials. If all goes as planned, the ship will then be handed over to Cunard and her new captain and crew.

Commenting on the sea trials Queen Elizabeth's Chief Engineer, Colin Black said:

"The Bridge Navigation went very well, and the SOLAS Steering test was very impressive with full service speed and hard steering to 35 Degrees to port then starboard. This was repeated several times to test all conditions of steering operation with a speed of 21.7 knots. Then the forced roll at 9 degrees was impressive that it only took a few seconds for the fins to stabilise the vessel. It was good to see all six engines running at one time with all of them performing to expectations. The propulsion was tested with excellent results under load increase and decrease demands."

Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to depart on her Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2010.

Amsterdam sails a 70-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage in fall 2011 and then returns to world cruising in January 2012 with a 112-day Grand World Voyage that visits the South Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and the Mediterranean. Following its 68-day Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage in January, Prinsendam will depart in March to the Mediterranean and the Holy Lands for a 62-day Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage.

"Based on extensive research on our previous grand voyages and a survey of past guests, we created itineraries that feature the most coveted sights and experiences the world has to offer," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "From creative and varied menus that reflect ports of call, to tailored activities and unique amenities, Grand Voyages guests will experience Holland America Line at its finest."

Without requiring international air travel, Holland America Line's Grand Voyages make taking a dream vacation easy and more affordable. The voyages feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, first-time calls at new destinations and extended time in port with late departures, overnights and overland tours.

Grand Voyages offer an enhanced onboard cruise experience with the opportunity to fully experience the pleasures of life at sea. Activities are enhanced with local cultural entertainment and special guest headliners and lecturers. Grand Voyage dining is distinguished by a different experience every day, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine and wines. The premium, mid-size ships selected for sailing Grand Voyages are large enough to offer the diverse amenities today's discriminating travelers expect, yet small enough to preserve an ambiance of sophistication and an extra measure of personal space. And service levels are at their highest, with nearly one crew member for every two guests, with top staff hand-selected from across the Holland America Line fleet.

Grand Asia & Australia Voyage

In fall 2011, Amsterdam wraps up the year with a 70-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage sailing from Seattle, Wash., to Los Angeles, Calif., departing Sept. 26. Following calls throughout Asia, the cruise continues to western Australia and then explores the South Pacific. Overnights include Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, China; Tokyo and Kobe, Japan; Singapore, and Sydney and Perth, Australia.

Grand World Voyage

Amsterdam will sail its seventh circumnavigation with a Grand World Voyage roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., departing Jan. 6. The 112-day adventure first calls in the Caribbean, then moves on to South America, sailing around Cape Horn for a scenic cruise through the Chilean Fjords and then south to Antarctica. Amsterdam then sails west to Tahiti, followed by calls in Australia, the Far East and Indian Ocean, before transiting the Suez Canal and sailing through the Mediterranean and back to South Florida.

Overnight calls include the Great Barrier Reef from Sydney, Hong Kong, Mumbai, India; Barcelona, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Singapore, and Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

The voyage also features a maiden call at Mangalore in Southern India. Hundreds of shore excursions, overland tours and the opportunity to visit UNESCO World Heritage sites add color to this world cruise.

Grand South America & Antarctica Voyage

Prinsendam returns to South America, Antarctica and the Amazon in 2012 on a 68-day itinerary departing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale Jan. 4. The ship will transit the Panama Canal to South America's Pacific coast then circumnavigate the continent.

Prinsendam will spend eight days cruising the Amazon River and four days of scenic cruising in Antarctica. The itinerary also features five maiden ports of call: Bocas del Toro, Panama; Matarani, Peru; Cabedelo, Brazil, and Ancud, Chile. Overnight calls include Manaus, Brazil, in the Amazon; Rio de Janeiro; Buenos Aires, and Callao (Lima), Peru.

Guests sailing on this voyage also will enjoy a scenic daylight cruise past the Romanche, Alemania, Francia and Italia glaciers in Chile.

Grand Mediterranean & Black Sea Voyage

Upon its return to Fort Lauderdale, Prinsendam embarks March 12 on a 62-day journey to the Mediterranean and Holy Lands roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

For the first time, Prinsendam will call at Durres, Albania's second-largest city and one of Europe's oldest cities, Saint Raphael in the beautiful Cote d'Azur region of France, and Castellon de la Plana, in the Costa del Azahar region of Spain.

Overnight calls at Seville, Spain; Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens); Venice, Italy; Barcelona, and Lisbon, Portugal, allow time for exploration of some of the world's most interesting destinations. This voyage can be combined with the Grand South America and Antarctica Voyage for a 130-day cruise.

"One of the most valued elements of a Celebrity Cruises vacation is the outstanding service that we offer to our guests," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations. "Even the process of planning for specific experiences such as spa and salon appointments reflects our commitment to service and our 'Designed for you' brand platform. Our guests tell us that the more they can arrange in advance, the less they have to think about once they step aboard our award-winning ships. We've designed our more than 100 AquaSpa, salon and fitness offerings to help our guests enjoy relaxation and renewal, from men's barber services to hot stone massages, from the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial to Brazilian Blowout Keratin treatments for hair, and more."

Celebrity's pre-cruise spa, salon and personal fitness appointment booking option joins a series of experiences available for guests to book online in advance of their cruise, including beverage packages, shore excursions, specialty dining reservations, and complimentary "Celebrity Select Dining" main dining room preferences.

With the new pre-cruise spa, salon and personal fitness booking option, Celebrity aims to give its guests the peace of mind associated with knowing that their spa, salon, and personal fitness appointment times are secured. The option to pre-book these appointments online can help guests avoid disappointment after boarding by discovering that desired times are already taken by other guests. Among those who tend to seek specific appointment times are guests who regularly undergo acupuncture or treatments of elective injectables such as Botox, Restylane, Perlane and Dysport. With Celebrity's newest offering, guests can book these and other appointments in advance of their cruise, no longer having to worry about finding available times after they board the ship.

By mid-November, guests will be able to book spa, salon and personal fitness appointments prior to their cruise on six of the nine Celebrity ships that will offer this option. The first ship to offer this option is Celebrity Solstice, the flagship of the premium cruise line's stylish new Solstice Class ships. Guests sailing on Celebrity Solstice can currently book and pay for spa, salon and personal fitness appointments up to four days prior to their sailing date. Guests booked on voyages departing on August 21 or later on Celebrity's newest Solstice Class ship, Celebrity Eclipse, can also book these appointments. On August 26, guests sailing on Celebrity Equinox's voyages of September 9 or later can book these appointments. The rollout will continue through 2011, when Celebrity Cruises will launch its fourth Solstice Class vessel, Celebrity Silhouette. A complete list of dates is available at AquaSpa Page.

Guests can access the ordering system via Celebrity Cruises' website, in the "Before Your Cruise" section. Celebrity's electronic pre-cruise documents provide links that facilitate the pre-cruise booking of all of Celebrity's pre-cruise booking offerings, including beverage packages, shore excursions, specialty dining reservations, and complimentary "Celebrity Select Dining" main dining room preferences. Guests also can book spa, salon and fitness services once onboard. Guests seeking to amplify special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries by lining up experiences such as a day of pampering leading up to a romantic dinner in a specialty restaurant, also can consult with Celebrity's onboard personal concierges to book spa, salon and fitness services.

The pre-cruise spa, salon and fitness appointment booking option is available to all guests 18 years of age and older, worldwide. Modifications and cancellations can be made online anytime up to four days prior to sailing or onboard at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Royal Caribbean has enjoyed a long relationship with Britto, which began in 2003 when the artist designed the pool deck for the debut of Mariner of the Seas. Marking the next evolution of this partnership, the Britto Store onboard Allure of the Seas will be an engaging and interactive space for guests to enjoy the color, innovation and spirit which encapsulates Britto's art. The store will be located in the Central Park neighborhood and will display artwork along with smaller collectible pieces and sculptures of all sizes. A unique sculpture boasting Britto's well-known butterflies will grace the gardens of Central Park directly in front of the store, welcoming guests and providing a cheerful photo opportunity.

Britto will be creating two original pieces exclusive to Royal Caribbean for guests to purchase, including a custom painting which will be available as canvas Giclees, as well as a Royal Caribbean-inspired teddy bear. The artist also will attend Allure of the Seas' inaugural sailing on December 5, 2010, providing Britto fans a unique opportunity to interact with the artist in painting parties, autograph sessions and meet and greet events.

Within the store, which will be outfitted in black and white as a contrast to Britto's exceptionally colorful artwork, guests will have the opportunity to learn about the artist himself from a documentary of Britto's accomplishments as well as participate in wine and champagne events, art discussions, and other activities related to Romero Britto. A wide array of artwork, posters, giftware, collectibles and luggage will be available for purchase, ranging from original and limited edition Giclees, to tableware such as teapots and coasters; collectible figurines and sculptures; stationery; umbrellas; children's books; pet toys and much more. A modern day pop culture icon, Romero Britto creates contemporary masterpieces that evoke a spirit of hope and convey a sense of warmth. Embraced by the international community, Britto's paintings and sculptures are currently featured on five continents in more than 100 galleries worldwide. His original artwork, dubbed "the art of healing," brings together bright colors and playful themes with compositional elements of Cubism. Britto's artwork conveys an honesty that reflects his desire to use colors which exude happiness. His belief that "art should be accessible to all, and enjoyed by people of all ages" is a key reason his artwork appeals to art lovers ages eight to eighty.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world's largest cruise ship with sister-ship Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean's exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

Queen Elizabeth's Royal Arcade will feature iconic products from Fortnum & Mason. Since 1707, Fortnum & Mason has been the quintessential English store situated in the heart of London's Piccadilly and issued with two Royal warrants. On board, Fortnum & Mason will offer unique teas, preserves, biscuits and gifts.

"Decades of experience have told us that on board shopping is important to our guests and Cunard has an unrivalled reputation for providing the finest shopping at sea," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Queen Elizabeth will be no exception in this regard and I am very excited with the range that will be offered by high-quality world-famous brands that are a perfect fit for our brand and our guests."

In addition to Fortnum & Mason, shoppers on board Queen Elizabeth will be able to purchase other brands that have never before been available at sea.

The new Cunarder will be the only ship in the world to feature the following luxury products:

• Hackett: Men's Designer Clothing by Hackett of London, producers of the finest authentic and classic menswear and "The home of the essential British kit"

• Harris Tweed: World-renowned for their genuine hand-woven Scottish woollen fabrics

• Anya Hindmarch: English fashion accessories designer who always had a passion for bespoke details; Queen Elizabeth will feature the latest bespoke designs on board

Queen Elizabeth will also offer:

• Chopard: For 150 years, Chopard has offered watches and jewellery of exceptional quality, exclusively created to the highest standards in Geneva. To celebrate the launch of Queen Elizabeth, the company has produced the Chopard Queen Elizabeth watch – a limited edition watch combining the dual branding of Chopard and Cunard and available at $18,000; both luxury and heritage brands.

• Penhaligons: Fragrances and gifts for men and women including perfume, aftershave, cologne, eau de parfum, body lotion and bath oil. Issued with two Royal warrants and made in England using the finest rare ingredients from bergamot to jasmine.

• Aspinal of London: Founded on the fundamental premise of offering their customers the most beautiful objects of unsurpassed quality and design for home and living, Aspinal of London is best known for their hand-made leather photo albums, leather wallets and purses, leather journals, wedding albums and guest books in both classic and contemporary designs.The signature collection on Queen Elizabeth will capture the Cunard luxury trademark.

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth's introduction, three brands have launched special items:

• Clogau: The jeweller to The Queen has produced a gold Queen Elizabeth limited edition pendant exclusively for Cunard.

• Rotary: A specially-commissioned Queen Elizabeth watch will only be available on board the new Cunarder.

• Halcyon Days: The company has commissioned a special pill box that links the heritage of the brand with luxury at sea.

A new Cunard Signature Collection on board Queen Elizabeth will offer a premium logo collection ranging from travel accessories to designer clothing. Cunard was the first Line to offer suit hire facilities at sea, and Queen Elizabeth will continue this valuable service with Moss Bros Hire, providing everything needed for elegant formal events.

Queen Elizabeth will be the second largest Cunarder ever built and will join her sisters, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, as part of the youngest fleet in the world. She will feature many unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters and their predecessors, together with all the modern day luxuries Cunard's guests have come to expect. There will also be features that will give the vessel her own style and personality.

The first Queen Elizabeth was one of Cunard's greatest ships, and the new Queen Elizabeth will reflect her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at an experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, hand-woven carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, reflecting The New Golden Age of Ocean Travel.

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her sold-out Maiden Voyage on 12 October 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company's home port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.

Beck most recently served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Domino's Pizza, a $5.6 billion publicly traded company with more than 9,000 franchised and company-owned stores in over 60 countries and all 50 states. In that role, she oversaw all aspects of finance including public company disclosers, accounting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, risk management and internal audit. Prior to that, Beck served as CFO for two well-known national restaurant chains: Whataburger Restaurants and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants.

"Over the past several years, we have been building a very strong senior leadership team with a combination of both industry veterans and experts from outside the cruise industry who bring a fresh perspective to our business. With her more than 20 years of relevant financial experience, Wendy brings a great deal of knowledge and expertise to our Company," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's Chief Executive Officer. "I am pleased to welcome Wendy aboard in this key role. She will be a strong and valuable addition to our senior leadership team."

Beck is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the state of Florida and holds a BS in Accounting from the University of South Florida.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	31.52	- 2.93%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	25.01	- 3.44%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.15	+ 0.47%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which liner was the favorite of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor for Atlantic crossings during the 1950's? On crossings they would always book the same suites and travel with nearly 100 pieces of luggage and their pug dogs.

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Which famous liner came to the assistance of the Andrea Doria after she was struck by the Swedish liner Stockholm in 1956?

Answer - The French Line transatlantic liner "Ile de France" came to the rescue after the collision between the Italian liner "Andrea Doria" and the Swedish Liner "Stockholm" on July 25, 1956. The collision occured in fog off the Nantucket Shoals.
courtesy of Larry MacDonald

Cruise News - August 16, 2010

A medical emergency on board Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, Norwegian Epic, forced the ship to return to Miami just hours after setting sail Saturday afternoon. According to authorities, a 21-year old male passenger died of a heart attack after suffering a severe allergic reaction to food that he had eaten that evening. The passenger, Kevin Edouard, of Spring Valley, NY, was traveling with family on the cruise.

A statement released by Norwegian Cruise Lines stated:

"After setting sail on a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise yesterday at approximately 4 pm, Norwegian Epic returned to the Port of Miami at approximately 12:45 am for a medical disembarkation. While the ship was approximately 40 nautical miles from Miami, a guest on board suffered a heart attack and passed away. All local authorities were notified and some met the ship upon arrival. The ship departed at approximately 2:45 am. Norwegian Cruise Line extends its sincerest thoughts and prayers to the guest's family during this difficult time."

The dead passenger's family disembarked in Miami and local authorities were investigating the incident although at this time there is no evidence to indicate it was anything but an unfortunate allergic reaction. According to medical studies, it is estimated that between 2% to 5% of the adult population has some form of food allergy. The most common foods that trigger allergic reactions in adults include the following: fish and shellfish (such as shrimp), lobster and crab meat, peanuts, tree nuts (such as walnuts) and eggs.

Sunday was scheduled to have been a day at sea and Norwegian Epic so it is expected that the cruise will be able to make up any lost time and no changes to the planned itinerary are expected.

The 2,192-passenger vessel, which will be built at Germany's Meyer Werft at an approximate all-in cost of euro 150,000 per lower berth, is scheduled to enter service in spring 2013.

The new vessel will operate under AIDA Cruises' informal "club resort" cruise concept which is marketed exclusively to German-speaking clientele and offers a product aimed at younger, more active guests who enjoy a host of onboard innovations.

"With growth that is outpacing other regions of the world, expanding our European brands continues to be a priority for us. This new AIDA ship will build upon the brand's leadership position in the fast-growing German-speaking market, while offering a unique onboard experience preferred by its clientele," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

AIDA Cruises' President Michael Thamm added, "It has always been our strategy to achieve sustainable growth. We look forward to another innovative newbuild, tailor made for the German market."

The new vessel will join the 71,300-ton AIDAsol, set to debut in April 2011, and an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in June 2012.

AIDA Cruises revolutionized the German cruise market with the introduction of its first "club ships" in 1996. By 2013, a total of 10 "club ships" will be in service, operating voyages to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, the North Sea, the Baltic, the Caribbean, the Arabian Gulf, Asia and Central America.

"The response to the Celebrity iLounge and to the iPad menus in Qsine was so positive, we knew our guests would relish yet another opportunity to capitalize on the latest technology in an entertaining, enriching way," said Celebrity's Senior VP of Hotel Operations Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. "Celebrity's ‘Designed for you' platform is built on our commitment to listen to our guests and offer experiences inspired by them and their sophisticated travel desires."

A new addition to Celebrity's extensive "Celebrity Life" series of onboard entertainment and enrichment activities, the iPads on each Solstice Class ship house floor plans of every deck on the ship, with select works of art flagged on every deck. A guest simply touches the screen to select the work of art he or she would like to learn more about, and the screen transitions to full details about the piece, including the title of the work, artist's name, medium used, description and image. In addition to the art tour application, the iPads also present guests with the opportunity to explore digital versions of each Solstice-Class vessel's in-stateroom art catalogs.

With more than 14,000 works of original, contemporary art on its three Solstice Class ships alone, Celebrity Cruises is the holder of one of the world's largest corporate collections of contemporary art. Throughout the ships, a vast range of mediums is represented, including glass, acrylics, oils, photography, digital prints, video, etchings, sculptures and collages. Approximately 15 percent of the art on each Solstice Class ship is site-specific or commissioned artwork, such as the signature living trees in enormous vases suspended within the Solstice Class ships' sweeping, airy Grand Foyers.

Celebrity's new iPad art tours will be available on Celebrity Solstice beginning August 15, and on Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Equinox beginning August 21. The tours currently are in English, and also will be offered in Spanish by the end of this year. Celebrity will add German and French versions in 2011.

Home to a variety of vibrant cultures and the world's most unique array of fascinating wildlife, African ports delight adventurous passengers. India contrasts with the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan cities and the more spiritual atmosphere surrounding architectural treasures such as the iconic Taj Majal.

Voyages including Africa or India offer the opportunity for a multi-continent adventure, featuring ports in Europe and Asia as well. Ranging from 28 to 46 days, these extensive sailings feature either the intimate ambiance of Ocean Princess or the Aussie-style cruising of Sun Princess, which sails round-trip from Perth.

"Africa and India are filled with the magnificent sights so many of us dream about visiting," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Open spaces filled with roaming wildlife, colorful civilizations and rich history never fail to capture the imagination in these exotic ports. Princess pioneered cruising in many of these locales, and we continue to offer our expertise to passengers looking for an exciting adventure in these destinations."

India brings to mind the vibrant world of Bollywood movies and spicy atmosphere. Cosmopolitan Mumbai is a gateway for travel to the Taj Mahal, the famed monument of pearlescent stones that stands as a testament to eternal love. Passengers may also visit the coconut palm-lined beaches in Cochin, a historic port town where colonial architecture display the rich cultures that influenced the city. In Goa, travelers can explore the quaint village of Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Princess' unique West Africa Adventure itinerary offers passengers the opportunity to explore the continent's intriguing coastline. The Namibian ports Lüderitz and Walvis Bay boast historic German imperial style buildings and are a bird-lover's paradise, hosting thousands of flamingos, penguins, and ostriches. Mysterious voodoo presentations and grand markets pepper Lomé, Togo with rich African flair. Known for its "teranga" (hospitality), Dakar, Senegal features natural wonders such as Lake Retba, named for its rose-pink colored waters.

In South Africa, Cape Town offers sand, surf, wineries, and stunning views of Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope. Port Elizabeth provides opportunities to encounter wildlife with nearby game reserves and national parks set on vast savannas. In Durban, vibrant flowers, sweet smells of spices, and cultural encounters with the fabled Zulu tribe offer a true sense of modern Africa.

Northern Africa features the pyramids and other archeological treasure of Egypt, where visitors can see many of the country's iconic attraction when ships call at Safaga for Luxor and Karnak. Legendary Casablanca blends African, French, and Middle Eastern influences, particularly in dazzling bazaars filled with rich fabrics and antique ware.

Africa and India cruises:

Mediterranean, India & Asia -- For a three-continent adventure, passengers can sail on a 28-day voyage from Rome to Singapore aboard Ocean Princess. The small ship will take cruisers to Sorrento, Athens, and Kusadasi (for Ephesus) before transiting the Suez Canal and continuing on to Sharm El Sheik, Aqaba (for Petra) Safaga (for Luxor/Karnak), Dubai, Muscat, Mumbai, Cochin, and Kuala Lumpur. Ocean Princess departs on October 15, 2011.

West Africa Adventure -- A unique opportunity to explore the African coast, this 28-day journey onboard the small ship Ocean Princess travels from Cape Town to London (Dover). Travelers can explore a variety of African destinations plus and European ports beginning with a overnight stay in Cape Town. Calls include the Namibian ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay, Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), Tema (Ghana), Dakar (Senegal), Cape Verde Islands, Canary Islands, Casablanca, Seville, Lisbon, and Paris/Normandy before arriving in Dover. The sailing departs on May 6, 2012.

Africa, India & Southeast Asia -- The intimate Ocean Princess also offers a 30-day journey from Singapore to Cape Town. Passengers can enjoy the small ship experience on an itinerary to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Maldives, Mumbai, Muscat, Dubai, Mauritius, Reunion Island, Durban, and East London, plus an overnight call in Cape Town. Travelers have the option to visit the Taj Mahal in India or take a safari to Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The sailing departs on April 6, 2012 and can be combined with the West Africa Adventure for a 58 day Grand Adventure cruise from Singapore to Dover.

South Africa & Indian Ocean Odyssey -- On a 46-day roundtrip sailing from Perth, travelers cover several continents during their voyage. Sun Princess will call at Asian ports such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket, then move on to India with visits to Mumbai, Goa, and the Maldives. After crossing the Equator, the ship visits the Seychelles, and the South African ports of Richard's Bay, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban. The ship calls at Reunion Island and Mauritius before returning to Perth. Sun Princess departs on May 3, 2011.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	32.47	- 7.54%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	25.90	- 9.88%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	2.14	+ 13.83%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which famous liner came to the assistance of the Andrea Doria after she was struck by the Swedish liner Stockholm in 1956?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Which ship is widely acknowledged to be the first vessel designed solely for cruising?

Answer - In 1948 Cunard's Caronia (the second ship to bear the name) set sail. Caronia is credited as the first purpose built cruise ship. Durring her time with Cunard she was popular and well known as the "Green Goddess" for her green livery.
courtesy of Dave in LA

Cruise News - August 9, 2010

"We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the millions of Americans who will board cruise ships this year," said Sen. Kerry. "This law will finally do away with the murky lines of jurisdiction that have put American cruise ship passengers at risk in the past. I applaud President Obama, Rep. Matsui and my colleagues for helping to ensure that security, safety, and accountability be strengthened to hold criminals accountable and end the cycle of serious crimes on these vessels."

"Today marks the beginning of a new accountability for any crimes that are committed against passengers on cruise ships," said Kendall Carver, Chairman of International Cruise Victims (ICV), whose daughter Merrian Carver, a constituent of Senator Kerry's, disappeared on a cruise ship. "This came about because a small group of victims joined together four and one-half years ago to form ICV. From just a few families, ICV now has membership in over 20 countries.

"The Cruise Lines International Association is pleased that the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act is now law," said Cruise Lines International Association President and CEO Terry Dale. "We appreciated the opportunity to work with Senator Kerry and Congress to ensure that the new law would bring greater consistency and clarity of security laws and regulations for our industry. Although millions of guests each year enjoy a safe cruise vacation, we welcome the opportunity to ensure consistency across our member line fleets."

For example, while many ships in the CLIA fleet may already feature 42-inch railings, peepholes in all cabins, onboard video surveillance systems, and employ medical personnel who meet guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians, the new law will make these and other new provisions consistent across the fleet.

"We appreciate the work Congress and the Administration have done to bring consistency and clarity to the security and safety laws and regulations for our industry. We look forward to continuing our longstanding work with the U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, and law enforcement both here and around the world to ensure the bill's provisions are implemented appropriately," added Dale.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act will:

• improve ship safety by requiring forty-two inch guard rails, peep holes in every passenger and crew member's door, on-deck video surveillance, and an emergency sound system;

• provide transparency in reporting by establishing a structure between the cruise industry, the FBI, and the Coast Guard, including requirements that each ship maintain a log book, which would record all deaths, missing individuals, alleged crimes, and passenger/crewmember complaints regarding theft, sexual harassment, and assault;

• improve crime scene response by requiring rape kits, anti-retroviral medications, and a trained forensic sexual assault specialist be aboard each ship; and

• establish a program designed by the Secretary of Transportation in consultation with the FBI to train appropriate crew members in crime prevention, detection, evidence preservation, and reporting of criminal activities in the international maritime environment.

Exemplifying this new direction is the singing group Cantare, a quartet of male performers with a pop music repertoire covering several eras.

"With this new approach we've focused on getting top-notch performers, and you'll see more faces from Broadway, 'American Idol' and other well-known performance outlets gracing our stage," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "We're looking to share meaningful entertainment experiences with our guests through the quality of the music and performances, as well as deliver increasingly innovative and enriching options."

Several production shows will debut aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, including "N.Y.C.," a musical tour of the Big Apple; "Ladies Night," a fun and fabulous all-female revue; "Live from the Avalon Ballroom," an extravaganza of ballroom dance and music; "Garage Band," a '60s and '70s musical set in an automobile service center, and "It Takes Two," a revue of famous duets and duos.

Following the shows' run aboard Nieuw Amsterdam they will expand across the fleet by the end of 2010.

Throughout the cruising year, Holland America Line's more than 200 entertainers perform more than 90 shows on the 15 ships in the fleet. In addition to the resident performers, guests also can enjoy a variety of entertainment including comedians, musicians and magicians.

On several ships, performances take place in the new Showroom at Sea, a modern-day take on the classic nightclub that features state-of-the-art technology and a different show and themed atmosphere nightly. The Showroom at Sea is aboard Nieuw Amsterdam, as well as ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam, ms Statendam and ms Ryndam as part of the $525 million Signature of Excellence enhancement program.

The Showroom at Sea features a completely redesigned main stage that introduces a new seating layout and an enlarged dance floor. A new sound system, enhanced lighting and high-tech video projections transport guests into diverse environments as scenery and decor leap off the stage and into the audience.

Holland America Line's creative team has earned more Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Oscar nominations than any other in the cruise industry. Hugh Durrant -- a costume, set and theatrical designer -- has won Emmy awards for his work with Cher and others, and fashion icon Bob Mackie, who created many of Holland America Line's costumes, has a long history of award-winning designs for celebrities.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, Italy, Nieuw Amsterdam was named by Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands July 4, 2010. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

Not only did The Duchess reacquaint herself with "her" ship and crew, but she also helped Cunard commemorate the 170th anniversary of the company's first ship, the Britannia, which set sail from Liverpool in July 1840.

"Cunard is honoured that Her Royal Highness named this fine ship, and delighted that she continues to display such an interest both in the ship and in the crew. The Duchess will always be warmly welcomed on board," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

Later that evening there were two concerts in the theatre onboard Queen Victoria. The first included the 65 piece Halle Orchestra along with tenors and sopranos and conductor Anthony Inglis. They performed the famous Liverpool Anthem Never Walk Alone – on Queen Victoria, on the Mersey, in Liverpool 170 years from when Samuel Cunard gave birth to line. The concert was followed by a fireworks show and a second concert, this one by a Beatles tribute band.

Superstar Live Karaoke combines two popular forms of entertainment – live music by talented musicians and karaoke by Carnival's singing sailors – and cranks it up. It is fun for all when aspiring singers or fun-seekers have their moment in the spotlight while a few hundred of their friends, family and fellow guests cheer them on and sing along.

Following a high-energy introduction, the would-be music legend hits the stage to belt out a favorite tune accompanied by talented musicians playing the electric guitar, bass, drums and keyboards, as well as versatile backup singers to provide sweet harmonies.

"We're thrilled to bring this new entertainment option to the Carnival vacation experience. Superstar Live Karaoke takes Carnival's participatory fun to a new level with our guests unleashing their vocal talents and fulfilling their musical fantasies while fronting a great live band," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO.

Those interested in living their dream as a super star — for one night, at least — simply sign up with the on-site host in the designated Superstar Live Karaoke lounge on board. Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests can channel their inner rock star, pop idol, Motown legend and country crooner, selecting from a list of more than 100 song titles that span a wide variety of musical styles and genres from artists including ABBA to Zac Brown Band and everything in between.

For those about to rock, there are plenty of classic songs from AC/DC, The Beatles, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett and others, as well as contemporary hits by artists such as The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga and Maroon 5.

Guests can add a twang with current and classic country songs made famous by Garth Brooks, Patsy Cline, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Shania Twain, and others, or pay their respects to soul, rap and R&B greats by performing songs by Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Wilson Pickett and Sir Mix-A-Lot, among many others.

"Super Star Live Karaoke is quickly becoming one of the most popular and exciting activities we've ever offered. People love to express themselves through music — we even had a groom sing to his new bride," said Carnival's Senior Cruise Director John Heald. "It's a dream of so many people to perform on a stage backed by a live band, but so few get the opportunity. We're giving people the ability to live out their dream and just go out and have fun!"

The program, which recently debuted aboard Carnival Conquest and Carnival Valor, premieres on the Carnival Pride this week. Superstar Live Karaoke will be introduced to the line's 12 Fun Ships that operate itineraries of seven days or longer by year's end.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	35.12	- 1.14%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	28.74	- 3.72%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	1.88	- 2.59%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which ship is widely acknowledged to be the first vessel designed solely for cruising?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
What was the name of the cruise ship that caught fire during a Christmas cruise in 1963 and sank six days later?

Answer - In 1963, the Greek ship Lakonia caught fire on a Christmas cruise in the Canary Island, taking 125 lives.
courtesy of Timothy Edgecombe - Vancouver, British Columbia

Cruise News - August 2, 2010

EBITDA for the second quarter of 2010 improved 12.6% to $94.7 million versus $84.2 million for the same period in 2009 (a 12.1% increase on an adjusted basis, to $95.7 million from $85.4 million). An improvement in Net Yield of 6.6% in the quarter resulted in Net Revenue increasing to $364.7 million from $353.9 million despite a 3.3% decrease in Capacity Days in the quarter due to the departure of Norwegian Majesty from the fleet in October 2009.

The increase in Net Yield came from both improved passenger ticket pricing and increased onboard revenue per Capacity Day. Occupancy Percentage for the quarter was 109.2%. Net loss for the quarter was $14.9 million on revenue of $477.9 million compared to net income of $15.4 million on revenue of $478.4 million in 2009. The net loss in 2010 included a non-recurring charge of $33.1 million related to foreign exchange contracts associated with the financing of Norwegian Epic. Excluding this non-recurring charge, net income for the period was $18.2 million.

Net Cruise Cost for the second quarter was essentially flat year over year. On a per Capacity Day basis, Net Cruise Cost increased 3.5% primarily due to higher average fuel costs in the period and fewer capacity days as a result of the departure of Norwegian Majesty. Average fuel cost per metric ton in the period climbed to $508 in 2010 from $356 in 2009. Net Cruise Cost Excluding Fuel per Capacity Day decreased 2.3%.

The results for the quarter demonstrate that we are continuing to build momentum," said Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Our improved results over last year were achieved while absorbing a 43% increase in the price of fuel," said Sheehan.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased to $37.0 million in the quarter compared to $26.6 million in 2009 due to higher average interest rates in the period. Other expense increased to $33.8 million in 2010 versus $4.3 million in 2009 primarily due to the aforementioned loss on foreign exchange contracts.

Last month Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of Norwegian Epic, its largest, most innovative Freestyle Cruising vessel to date. With 21 dining options, an equal number of bars and lounges, and an entertainment lineup which includes venues housing world-renown acts such as Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert in the Epic Theater, Cirque Dreams and DinnerTM in the Spiegel Tent, The Second City Comedy Troupe and Howl at the Moon at Headliners and Nickelodeon at Sea entertainment throughout the ship, Norwegian Epic has brought the Company's Freestyle Cruising offering to a new level. "The depth and breadth of choices and activities on board Norwegian Epic is unparalleled in the industry," said Sheehan.

After inaugural events in Rotterdam and Southampton, Norwegian Epic took guests on a maiden transatlantic voyage to New York City, where she became the largest vessel ever to dock in Manhattan. In a spectacular ceremony, Norwegian Epic was formally christened by her Godmother, country music icon and Freestyle Cruising fan Reba McEntire. After a successful two-night christening voyage, Norwegian Epic returned to Manhattan to serve as the host site for NBC's top-rated broadcast of the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on the Hudson River. Added Sheehan, "We could not have asked for a better way to introduce Norwegian Epic to the world. From the delighted looks on guests' faces and the tremendous positive feedback we've received from those who sailed on her, we know that all the hard work and dedication by all of Norwegian's team members has created something truly special." Regarding her bookings, Sheehan commented, "Norwegian Epic has been booking extremely well, setting records week after week since her introduction in Europe and subsequent inaugural events in New York and Miami." Norwegian Epic is currently sailing alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries on Saturdays from the Port of Miami through April 2011, when she will then reposition to start her summer Mediterranean season out of Barcelona.

The second half of 2010 is showing solid improvements in pricing from 2009 levels with load factors consistent with prior year. Unlike this same time last year, the Company has been successful at holding price while balancing load factor. The booking curve continues to be healthy, but has narrowed from the highest levels achieved in the first quarter of 2010.

"It was a thrilling moment to witness this one-of-a-kind encounter at sea, not only for me and the crew, but for all our guests aboard Queen Mary 2," said Captain Nick Bates. "We wish the Artemis team good luck and Godspeed as they continue the quest for their world record-breaking journey."

The opportunity for Queen Mary 2's guests and crew to show support for this adventurous challenge was especially poignant since one of the Artemis team crew members served as a crew member aboard the flagship liner when she was launched in 2004.

Transatlantic Crossings are part of Cunard's legacy and reflect the pinnacle of adventure and civility in ocean travel. Queen Mary 2 is the only liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England, to eight- and nine-day Crossings offered to Cherbourg (France) and Hamburg (Germany).

The three-day inclusive Crystal Overland Adventure to Beijing visits the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. Two-night stays are available in Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong and Beijing, and overnight stays are available in Honolulu, Sydney, Perth, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka and Yokohama.

A pre-cruise exclusive Bon Voyage Gala with luxury accommodations in Los Angeles launches the voyage for all full World Cruise guests. "Travel connoisseurs consider a Crystal World Cruise to be the ultimate luxury vacation, comprised of exotic destinations, one-of-a-kind adventures and special events coupled with Crystal's renowned six-star service, enriching days at sea and attention to detail," says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing. "The shorter overall length of the 2012 voyage makes this grand voyage even more attractive to those trying their first World Cruise experience with Crystal."

In the photo the massive enclosed bridge is maneuvered by cranes atop the Carnival Magic's superstructure. The distinctive red, white and blue winged funnel was recently positioned onto the ship's upper deck.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic is slated to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 28, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port's largest year-round cruise ship.

Carnival Magic will offer a number of on-board facilities and features – an expansive water park, an indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, an exclusive adults-only retreat and extensive children's play areas – along with several innovations unique to this vessel to be announced in the near future.

Carnival Magic, which is slated to debut in Europe in May 2011 with a host of innovative facilities and features, will offer two different week-long itineraries from Galveston, including seven-day western Caribbean voyages to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, and week-long eastern Caribbean cruises to Nassau, Freeport, and Key West.

Cruise passengers will find that each of these island destinations has its own charms. In Hawaii they'll enjoy the spirit of Aloha throughout the island chain, while Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia showcase a unique mix of South Seas appeal and French culture. Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu each offer their own style and island allure, and all feature the stunning vistas found throughout the South Pacific.

Travelers interested in the convenience of a roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles can choose to sail aboard Golden Princess or Sapphire Princess to the Hawaiian Islands or on a new 28-day Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific cruise aboard Sapphire Princess. Cruisers to Tahiti will enjoy the small ship ambiance of Ocean Princess on several itineraries, and Princess' Aussie-style sailings from Down Under feature Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess sailing roundtrip from Sydney or Brisbane.

"Everyone dreams of running away to an idyllic Pacific island," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Our cruises can bring these wonderful islands to life, with more choices than ever to find the perfect vacation."

The Hawaiian Islands each have their own personality. On Oahu, the state capital of Honolulu offers a wealth of historic, cultural and scenic attractions, including famous Waikiki Beach, America's only royal residence the Iolani Palace, and Pearl Harbor. The Big Island, the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian Islands, has the most varied in landscape -- with striking black sand beaches, tropical rain forests, and the famed Volcanoes National Park, home to three volcanoes, including the actively erupting Kilauea.

Known as the "Garden Isle," Kauai offers lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and geological wonders, such as the dramatic Nă Pali Coastline, and spectacular Waimea Canyon. The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui boasts some of the world's most superb beaches and dramatic mountain landscapes. Visitors can also explore the port town of Lahaina which was once King Kamehameha's capital.

Made up of more than 130 islands, French Polynesia includes some of the most dreamed about South Seas islands, such as Tahiti and Bora Bora. This is the South Pacific of Melville, Gauguin and Michener. Particularly immortalized by Gauguin's paintings, Tahiti evokes exotic island images and the South Seas state of mind. Nearby Moorea boast precipitous mountains that reach for the sky, creating picture postcard views. No name captures the imagination of paradise as well as Bora Bora. Perhaps the most stunning island in the South Pacific, its majestic landscape was sculpted by ancient volcanoes, showcasing a shimmering lagoon and barrier reef. Passengers on Ocean Princess' 10-day Tahiti & Polynesia itinerary will enjoy a full Two-Day Experience in Bora Bora with extra time to enjoy the island's charms.

The two islands of Huahine are surrounded by a deep lagoon encircled by a coral necklace. Connected by a bridge, both islands boast white-sand beaches, vanilla and banana plantations, and some of Polynesia's most significant cultural sites. The largest atoll in French Polynesia, divers from all over the world flock to Rangiroa, to explore the undersea world of its 42-mile aquamarine lagoon filled with unique marine life and magnificent underwater scenery.

Samoa and American Samoa lie at the heart of the South Pacific. Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa, the southernmost territory of the United States. Here abundant rain creates a lush green landscape marked by ancient volcanoes and thriving coral atolls. Apia, the main township of Samoa, personifies the fa'a Samoa (the Samoan Way), and conjures up images of the perfect South Seas island town.

Princess Cruises ships sail to the Hawaiian Islands, between Hawaii and Tahiti and throughout the island paradises of the South Pacific.

Hawaiian Islands Cruises -- Golden Princess and Sapphire Princess will sail from Los Angeles on a 14-day roundtrip voyage to the Land of Aloha with calls at Hilo on the Big Island, Honolulu, Kauai, and Lahaina on Maui, plus Ensenada, Mexico. The ships will sail between September 28, 2011 and April 25, 2012.

Tahiti & Polynesia -- This classic Princess itinerary sails roundtrip from Papeete, Tahiti for 10 days among the islands of Polynesia, with two overnight visits. Ocean Princess starts with an overnight in the Tahitian capital and then calls on Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora (Two-day Experience includes two full days and an overnight), and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 17, 2011; January 18 and 28, 2012.

Hawaii & Tahiti -- Travelers can enjoy the intimacy of a small cruise ship on a voyage that features both the Polynesian paradises of Hawaii and French Polynesia. These 11-day sailings between Papeete and Honolulu on Ocean Princess include calls at Moorea, Bora Bora, Hilo, Maui, and Kauai. Sailings depart December 27, 2011; January 7, February 7 and 18, 2012.

Hawaii, Tahiti & Samoa -- This new 28-day itinerary aboard Sapphire Princess offers an unusual roundtrip voyage from Los Angeles, to three island groups in one convenient roundtrip sailing. The ship calls at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete. The sailing departs on October 22, 2011.

South Pacific & New Zealand Cruises -- Sailing between Sydney and Papeete, Ocean Princess offers a 16-day voyage including Tauranga, Auckland, Suva (Fiji), Apia, Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. The ship departs on December 2, 2011 and February 29, 2012.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific -- Sea Princess sails across the Pacific between San Francisco and Sydney on a 29-day voyage to Honolulu, Maui, Moorea, Papeete, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Fiordland National Park scenic cruising. The sailings depart on September 17, 2011 and April 15, 2012.

Sailings aboard Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess head to the islands from Sydney or Brisbane and feature onboard amenities to appeal to Australian tastes.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific -- Dawn Princess will sail on a 35-day roundtrip voyage from Sydney, with calls at Nuku'Alofa (Tonga), Apia, Hilo, Kilauea Volcano scenic cruising, Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona, Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Suva and Nouméa (New Caledonia). The ship sets sail on April 13, 2012.

New Caledonia & Vanuatu -- Dawn Princess takes a 12-day jaunt roundtrip from Sydney to call at Nouméa, Isle of Pines and Lifou in New Caledonia; and Vila, Wala and Champagne Bay in Vanuatu. The ship sails on May 13, 2011.

Fijian Jewels -- Sun Princess sails roundtrip from Brisbane on an 11-day journey to Nouméa and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia; three Fiji ports, Suva, Port Denarau, and Dravuni Island; and Vila (Vanuatu). The ship sails on January 11 and February 5, 2012.

Fiji & South Pacific -- A popular roundtrip sailing from Sydney featuring 14 days with calls at Lifou, five ports in Fiji: Vila, Port Denarau, Suva, Savu Savu, and Dravuni Island; plus Nouméa. Available on Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess, sailings depart October 5, November 1 and 28, 2011; February 6 and March 16, 2012.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	35.52	+ 1.05%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	29.85	+ 2.02%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	1.93	+ 17.68%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
What was the name of the cruise ship that caught fire during a Christmas cruise in 1963 and sank six days later?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
In 1968, the American Export Liner, Independence, was chartered by a promoter who charged separately for food and accommodation. He also gave the ship a distinctive paint job - what was so distinctive about it?

Answer - The ship was chartered to Diners Fugazy and a large sun face with eyes was painted on the side of the ship. I worked for American Export on shore in those days.
courtesy of cant@sympatico.ca

Cruise News - July 26, 2010

Holland America Line returned to regular Bermuda service departing from New York in 2010 after more than 25 years. The 2011 voyages begin May 1 and will sail roundtrip from New York through Oct. 9, calling at St. George's and Hamilton.

"Bermuda offers our guests an outstanding warm-weather vacation experience, with pristine beaches, cultural charm and world-class shopping and golf," said Richard D. Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Our roundtrip departures from New York also provide exciting pre- and post-cruise stay and sightseeing opportunities, making this a unique and very attractive itinerary."

The 1,350-guest Veendam will spend one day at St. George's and two nights at Hamilton, providing guests with multiple opportunities to experience the island's British charm, world-renowned pink-sand beaches and abundant cultural heritage sites by day and to sample its lively evening restaurant and nightclub scene.

Bermuda offers vacation activities for the entire family, from the historic Globe Hotel in St. George's -- a center for Confederate blockade runners during the American Civil War and today a museum -- to water sports including kayaking, deep sea fishing and snorkeling. Guests can choose from more than 40 shore excursions, including Atlantic Reef fishing, scuba diving and dolphin encounters in Hamilton and horse and carriage tours and a glass-bottomed kayak eco-tour in St. George's.

The weekly itineraries will call first at St. George's, Bermuda's original capital. Founded in 1609, the town of St. George's in the northeast area of Bermuda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited English settlement in the Americas. Narrow, twisting streets and pastel-painted houses create a European feel. Its diverse historic and cultural sites include St. Peter's Church, the oldest continually used Anglican Church in North America, and Fort St. Catherine, with displays of weapons, artifacts and a replica of the British Crown Jewels. More than a dozen forts dating to the 17th century command the surrounding hills.

Following St. George's, guests will have the opportunity to explore the island's capital, Hamilton, which is the commercial hub and seat of government located at Bermuda's geographic center. From Veendam -- docked at the center of town -- guests can take a short walk to Front Street and explore its array of colorful shops and restaurants. Hamilton also is home to a massive 19th-century, neo-Gothic cathedral and the Georgian-style Sessions House, built in 1815.

Revenues improved to $1.6 billion in the second quarter of 2010 compared to $1.3 billion in the second quarter of 2009, as a result of capacity increases and yield improvements. Net Yields for the second quarter of 2010 increased 4.9% despite the impact of the stronger US Dollar.

"What a difference a year makes. It is gratifying to post another solid quarter with improvement in yields and strong cost control," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer. Fain continued, "Despite ongoing uncertainty with the economy, our profitability continues to improve and our booking environment continues to be remarkably stable. We remain focused on strengthening our financial position and I am encouraged about the tremendous global response to our brands."

In the second quarter of 2010, Net Cruise Costs per APCD, "NCC" decreased 2.8%, and NCC excluding fuel decreased 4.4%. Excluding currency impacts, the comparable figures would have been decreases of 2.0% and 3.4%, respectively.

Improved fuel consumption efforts resulted in significantly better fuel consumption of 318,000 metric tons during the second quarter. At-the-pump pricing (including the benefit of the company's hedging) was virtually unchanged. Altogether, the quarter's fuel expenditures were approximately $6 million better than previous calculations.

Royal Caribbean said that it reported that with the exception of currency exchange rates, the current revenue environment has remained stable. Additionally, booked load factors and average per diems continue to run ahead of same time last year for the back half of the year. Third quarter 2010 Net Yields are expected to improve approximately 7% on a Constant Currency basis, or 4% on an as-reported basis. Full Year 2010 Net Yields are expected to improve approximately 4% - 5% on a Constant Currency basis and 3% - 4% on an as-reported basis.

NCC are forecasted to be down 1% for the third quarter and down 1% - 2% for the full year of 2010. On a Constant Currency basis, NCC are forecasted to be flat to up slightly for the third quarter and down 1% for the full year of 2010.

"Demand for our cruises remains on track with our earlier projections," said Brian J. Rice, executive vice president and chief financial officer. Rice continued, "The strengthening of the US Dollar will clearly result in a reduction of our reported yields, but also provides a corresponding reduction in expenses. Most importantly, our continued focus on cost controls and efficiency is driving improved earnings."

Given the recent volatility in currency exchange rates, the company is expanding its disclosures regarding currency and has defined a non-GAAP measure of "Constant Currency."

Based on current estimates for 2010, Royal Caribbean said that it anticipates that 30% of its net revenues, and 20% of its NCC excluding fuel will be denominated in currencies other than US Dollar, with the British Pound and the Euro being the most significant components.

Royal Caribbean said that it does not forecast fuel prices and its cost calculations are based on current at-the-pump prices net of hedging impacts. Based on today's fuel prices the company has included $170 million and $652 million of fuel expense in its third quarter 2010 and full year 2010 guidance, respectively.

Royal Caribbean said that it has made additional progress over the past quarter in optimizing the fuel consumption on many of its newer itineraries, as well as fine tuning the operations on its newest hardware. The ongoing focus on fuel consumption has allowed Royal Caribbean to further reduce its full year 2010 consumption estimate to 1,327,000 metric tons of fuel versus the estimates the company provided in April.

The company's fuel consumption is currently 47% hedged for the third quarter of 2010. In keeping with its previously disclosed hedging strategy, forecasted consumption is now 48% hedged for the remainder of 2010, 55% hedged in 2011, 50% hedged in 2012 and 20% hedged in 2013.

The passenger, Maria Mercedes Bonastre, and a traveling companion, were on the top portion of the gangway when it collapsed, or somehow became separated from the ship, dropping both passengers into the water. Bonastre reportedly struck her head on the dock as she fell 30 feet into the water. The second passenger, 65-year old Fausto del Charro, also of Barcelona, was rescued by crew members who jumped in to the water immediately following the incident.

At the time of the accident, the 133,500-ton, 3,274-passenger MSC Splendida was boarding passengers for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise scheduled to stop at Marseilles, Barcelona, Tunis, Malta, Messina and Civitavecchia. Italian authorities are leading an investigation into the specific cause of the accident.

Whether they want to tango in Buenos Aires or watch for wildlife at the end of the Earth, passengers can choose from 10 Latin-flavored departures aboard Star Princess and Pacific Princess, encompassing 31 destinations. Passengers can also extend their South American cruise vacation with a cruisetour itinerary to two of the continent's most famed attractions, Peru's Machu Picchu or Brazil's Iguazú Falls.

"South America offers some of the most magnificent travel experiences in the world, and many of its attractions are best navigated by ship," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "We make it easy and convenient to travel between countries, and offer the perfect venue for viewing the scenery around Cape Horn, the dramatic fjords of Chile, and the amazing Amazon River."

Rio de Janeiro figures prominently on several cruise and tour itineraries. Pulsing with life, Rio offers an experience like no other. A dazzling amalgam of Latin and African cultures, the city offers an array of attractions, including the dramatic peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, the landmark Christ the Redeemer statue who embraces the city below, dazzling white sand beaches and famous beachfronts of Copacabana and Ipanema.

Cruises rounding Cape Horn take in one of sailing's most legendary passages that has drawn explorers throughout the ages. Today Princess passengers enjoy sailing in comfort around this once-difficult but fabled point where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans meet. On this route travelers can explore Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia.

Scenic cruising through the Strait of Magellan and the Beagle Channel leads to the towering Chilean Fjords where Southern Patagonia's ice fields rival those of Alaska's Inside Passage. Passengers have a front-row view of the spectacular glaciers and can watch out for the area's myriad marine birds.

Passengers choosing to travel up the mighty Amazon will enjoy an adventure into the Brazilian jungle, where they can visit colorful villages and learn about the unique cultures along the river's route.

Cruisetour passengers can visit the mysterious land of the Incas, Machu Picchu. This unforgettable journey high into the Peruvian Andes defies description as visitors travel from Lima to the ruins of this terraced "City in the Clouds."

One of the continent's most dramatic natural wonders, Iguazú Falls is both taller and wider than Niagara Falls and spreads along nearly a two-mile stretch of the Iguazú River. Cruisetour passengers can spend several days viewing the magnificent scene from multiple vantage points.

Throughout their South America voyages passengers can visit a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including not only Iguazú National Park, Machu Picchu, and the Amazon River basin, but also Olinda Historic Center (near Recife), Salvador Historic Center, and the Historic Quarter of Valparaiso, Chile.

Princess offers travelers an array of South American ports and activities on a variety of itinerary options. Ships large and small travel around the continent, giving passengers the opportunity to encounter many colorful South American cultures.

Amazon River Cruise -- The intimate Pacific Princess sails up the mysterious Amazon River on a 14-day cruise that includes calls to St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Tobago, and Devil's Island in addition to traveling along the world's second longest river. Stops along the Amazon include Santarém, Boca da Valéria and Parintins with an overnight stay in Manaus. The ship sets sail on December 16 and 30, 2011.

Cape Horn Route to Rio -- Star Princess takes passengers on an unforgettable 14-day day cruise vacation around the fabled Cape Horn as they travel between Rio de Janeiro and Santiago. Passengers will visit many South American highlights with calls to Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Punta Arenas. The voyage includes a variety of spectacular scenic cruising opportunities around Cape Horn, including Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan and the dramatic Chilean Fjords. Sailings depart on December 24, 2011, January 7 and 21, February 4 and 18, and March 2, 2012.

Brazilian Adventure Cruise -- Passengers can experience a combination of Brazilian flavor and Caribbean fun on this 15-day sailing from Rio de Janeiro to Ft. Lauderdale. Star Princess starts with an overnight in Rio, then calls at the Brazilian ports of Salvador and Recife, plus visits the islands of Barbados, Antigua and St. Maarten. The sailing departs March 17, 2012.

Passage to Rio -- Travelers can visit three continents on this 16-day journey across the Atlantic with this voyage from Venice to Rio de Janeiro, which includes an overnight stay in Venice and calls at Dubrovnik, Corfu, Malta (Valletta), Tunis/Carthage (La Goulette), Gibraltar, and Recife (Brazil). Star Princess sets sail on December 8, 2011.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	35.15	+ 11.94%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	29.263	+ 23.83%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	1.64	+ 9.33%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
In 1968, the American Export Liner, Independence, was chartered by a promoter who charged separately for food and accommodation. He also gave the ship a distinctive paint job - what was so distinctive about it?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Many people know that Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 and P&O's Canberra served as troop ships during the Falkland islands conflict in 1982, but can you name the other former liner that was also pressed into service during the conflict?

Answer - The other Falklands veteran was the SS Uganda.
courtesy of Ian Rosenthal, Southampton, England.

Cruise News - July 19, 2010

An 18-year old male, St. Thomas resident Shaheel Joseph, who may have been the intended target, was also killed and another passenger suffered minor injuries. A suspect, Steven Tyson, surrendered to police the next day and was charged with two counts of first degree murder. St. Thomas police announced that they were increasing police presence across the island and would put more officers on foot patrol near popular tourist areas.

Chaparro, who was from Puerto Rico, was traveling with family members on the cruise to celebrate her 15th birthday. As a result of the incident, Carnival and other cruise lines that visit the island have cancelled shore excursions to that part of the island.

Carnival released the following statement: "Carnival Cruise Lines is profoundly shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the victim's family and loved ones in the wake of this unfathomable act of senseless violence."

Located in the ship's aft lounge, each Punchliner Comedy Club will offer guests loads of laughs with five 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing each night. The two early-evening shows offer fun for the whole family while the later performances will feature adult-oriented comedy.

Carnival Punchliner Comedy Clubs will feature hilarious, laugh-out-loud performances from established comedians as well as rising stars, with approximately 10 shows per voyage offered on short cruise itineraries and approximately 20 shows per cruise on longer length departures.

"Laughter is the most public, most infectious expression of fun, so we're excited to provide our guests with an expanded offering in comedy with our new Punchliner Comedy Clubs," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. "Given that laughter has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, stress reduction and overall happiness, our new clubs and performance line-up will only further enhance the spirited fun of a Carnival vacation."

While comedy shows have always been part of Carnival's diverse entertainment lineup, the concept was taken to another level aboard the Carnival Dream, which offered the line's first dedicated comedy club last fall. Comedy clubs are currently also featured on Carnival Glory, Carnival Pride and Carnival Sensation -- with the concept being incorporated into the remainder of the fleet over the next several months. When Carnival Magic enters service in May 2011, a Punchliner Comedy Club will also be featured on the line's newest "Fun Ship."

All of Carnival's aft show lounges will be converted to comedy clubs with a special stage and branded glassware, menus, employee uniforms and other items featuring the Punchliner Comedy Club logo. Guests can learn about the performer lineups and schedules in the ship's Fun Times newsletter.

"This marks a significant expansion of Celebrity's diverse array of global vacation options," said Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "We're thrilled to return to Australia and New Zealand. It's a region our guests and trade partners around the world have said they wanted to experience again with Celebrity, pairing our award-winning dining, exceptional service and high style with the beauty, charm and diversity of the area. This move further exemplifies our 'Designed for you' platform, and how we fulfill what cruisers desire."

Marking the line's first return to the land Down Under in two years, Celebrity's exotic new Australia and New Zealand season - bookended by a series of vacation options in Hawaii - features a total of 36 ports in six countries: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, French Polynesia, the U.S. and Mexico. The lineup includes 10 distinct itineraries, with six varied departure ports, including Sydney and Perth (Fremantle), Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu, Hawaii; San Diego, California, and Ensenada, Mexico.

Celebrity's new series begins October 2, 2011, with two consecutive 15-night Hawaii sailings from San Diego, followed by a 10-night Hawaii cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu. An 18-night "Pacific Jewels" voyage departs Honolulu November 11, followed by five 12- and 13-night New Zealand cruises between Sydney and Auckland, including a festive holiday sailing departing Sydney December 24. These offer a more destination-rich experience for cruisers, with only three days at sea, versus five on most competing lines' itineraries.

Cruisers also have the opportunity to experience a rare, 36-night circumnavigational voyage - a first for Celebrity - through two combinable 18-night sailings: One will sail around the southern portion of Australia, featuring an overnight stay in Sydney and transits through three sounds - Milford, Doubtful and Dusky - in New Zealand's World Heritage-designated Fiordland National Park. The second of the combinable 18-night sailings takes cruisers around Australia's northern coast, and features a visit to the idyllic island of Bali, Indonesia - marking yet another first for Celebrity.

The new series also includes two tantalizing, 18-night Trans-Pacific voyages visiting the French Polynesian islands and Hawaii.

Among the ports Celebrity will visit for the first time are Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Adelaide, Albany, Bunbury and Perth, Australia, in addition to Burnie, Tasmania, and Bali.

To complement the cruises and allow guests to delve deeper into the land Down Under, Celebrity has created a series of cruisetour packages, with details to be announced when bookings open for the entire slate of vacation options on Thursday, July 29. Celebrity also will announce details of an early booking incentive on that date.

The 1,814-guest Celebrity Century is ideal for offering guests spectacular views of the scenic region, having been refitted in 2006 to add 314 new verandas, along with the elegant Murano restaurant and the truly "cool" Martini ice bar.

Celebrity's new itineraries replace the previously announced series of 12-night Caribbean cruises from Baltimore on Celebrity Century. Guests with individual and group bookings that are named and deposited on Celebrity Century departing between November 1, 2011 and March 21, 2012, have the option to cancel their booking, or move to the same category of accommodations on a comparable Transcanal voyage on Celebrity Infinity, either October 28, 2011, or March 27, 2012; Celebrity Century's Hawaii sailings October 2 or 17, 2011, or April 2 or 20, 2012; 10- or 11-night Caribbean cruises on Celebrity Equinox in 2011, or entirely new 12-night Caribbean sailings from Cape Liberty, NJ, on Celebrity Silhouette, the line's fourth Solstice Class ship, entering service in 2011. Holiday sailings are open only to guests currently booked on Celebrity Century's double-holiday voyage of December 23, 2011. Guests with applicable bookings who opt to shift to one of the eligible sailings will receive a $200 per stateroom or $400 per suite onboard credit.

"Now that we have shown Norwegian Epic to the world and she has been so well received by all, we are more than pleased with the record-breaking booking volumes for this incredible new ship," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Given the trends so far this week, we expect the booking volumes to continue and we may even break another record this week."

The 153,000 gross tons, 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic, billed as the world's largest floating entertainment venue with world-class entertainment unlike anything before seen at sea, was christened by country music superstar Reba McEntire on July 2 in a Christening Ceremony hosted by Curb Your Enthusiasm star and comedian Jeff Garlin. The ship served as the venue for the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® Spectacular broadcast live on NBC television. The hour-long broadcast was the #1 program across all networks for the evening, hitting a three year high in ratings. The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular show also won the coveted 18-49 demo and had a significant +82% gain in women, ages 25-54, versus last year.

Norwegian Epic is currently sailing her first Eastern Caribbean cruise which departed Miami on July 10, 2010. The ship is sail alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries every Saturday from Miami through April 2011. This week, Norwegian Epic will make stops in St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Nassau, Bahamas. On her Western Caribbean sailings, Norwegian Epic will visit Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras.

The blessing of the ship's bell is a Holland America Line tradition when welcoming a new ship to the fleet. Mariner Ambassadors joined Captain Edward van Zaane in pouring champagne over the bell while reciting a classic maritime benediction: "We bless the bell of Nieuw Amsterdam as an extension of this vessel. We wish upon Nieuw Amsterdam fair winds and a following sea. We wish safety for her operation, wisdom for her officers, good health for her crew and comfort for her guests."

The Falkensammers were selected as Mariner Ambassadors for the Nieuw Amsterdam to honor the important role of travel sellers in the company's ongoing success. Also loyal Mariners, the Falkensammers have sailed more than 200 days on Holland America Line cruises.

"Holland America Line recognizes the vital partnership with travel sellers to our business and the Falkensammers' on-going commitment in kindling and growing our relationships with loyal repeat guests, or Mariners," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America Line. "We were honored to have them serve as Mariner Ambassadors for our newest addition to the fleet."

The Falkensammers founded Prestige Travel in 1980, and today the company is the largest agency in Nevada with more than 150 employees, 10 full-service stores and more than $100 million in annual sales. In 2000 the company partnered with American Express and since then has been an annual recipient of the American Express Excellence Award, which honors the achievements of member agencies that have reached superior sales results and year-over-year sales growth.

"Holland America is by far our favorite cruise line -- our first vacation cruise was aboard ms Westerdam II sailing to Alaska -- and my husband and I were honored to serve as Mariner Ambassadors for Nieuw Amsterdam," said Kathy Falkensammer. "Nieuw Amsterdam is a beautiful ship and we'll always remember participating in her dedication ceremony."

Holland America Line held the official dedication for Nieuw Amsterdam July 4 in Venice, Italy, followed by the ship's maiden voyage. Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima of the Netherlands served as the ship's godmother. The blessing of the bell ceremony was held during the three-day maiden voyage.

After several 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the 2,106-passenger vessel is scheduled to embark on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean where it will sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	31.40	- 0.85%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	23.63	- 1.17%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	1.50	+ 7.14%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Many people know that Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 and P&O's Canberra served as troop ships during the Falkland islands conflict in 1982, but can you name the other former liner that was also pressed into service during the conflict?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Which liner featured a lounge called the "Boat 'n' Bottle Bar"?

Answer - S.S.CONSTITUTION, American Export Line
courtesy of Paul Butler, Williamsburg, VA

Cruise News - July 12, 2010

"We are exceptionally honored to have Her Royal Highness Princess Maxima as the godmother of this beautiful ship and to continue a long and proud tradition of having members of the Dutch Royal Family name our ships," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. "The second Signature-class ship in our fleet is elegant and the largest passenger ship to sail under the Dutch flag."

Fifteen fleet captains representing Holland America Line's ships participated in the festivities, welcoming Her Royal Highness as she arrived to the pier. Following the ship's blessing and traditional breaking of a champagne bottle across the ship's bow as the finale, company executives and senior staff officers led attendees in a toast of the occasion.

Built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard near Venice, the 2,106-guest Nieuw Amsterdam is the fourth to carry that name for the line and departed on its maiden voyage roundtrip from Venice to nearby Mediterranean ports following the naming. After a series of 12-day Mediterranean sailings, the ship embarks on a fall trans-Atlantic crossing to the Caribbean to sail seven-day eastern and western itineraries from November 2010 through March 2011.

Celebrity's introduction of these new cruises marks the first time the cruise line has offered roundtrip cruises from the city on the famed Bosphorus Strait that connects Asia and Europe, a unique placement that has long intrigued travelers due to its multiple cultures.

Presented on the newly revitalized, 2,034-guest Celebrity Constellation, the "Greek Isles and Turkey" cruises, sailing on September 19 and October 1 and 13, 2011, will each begin with an overnight in port in Istanbul, before spending a day at sea. Then, guests will enjoy stops in Ephesus (Kusadasi), Bodrum and Marmaris, Turkey; Rhodes, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos and Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece, before spending one more day at sea and returning to Istanbul. Bodrum, Marmaris and Chania are new ports for Celebrity Cruises and examples of ways the cruise line is designing unique experiences in exotic destinations to appeal to discerning cruisers.

The Istanbul itineraries will be bookended by Mediterranean sailings taking place on September 7 and October 25, 2011. On September 7, Celebrity Constellation will sail a 12-night itinerary from Amsterdam to Istanbul, featuring visits to Brugges, Belgium; Cherbourg, France; Vigo, Spain; Gibraltar, United Kingdom; Sicily, Italy and Athens. The 11-night October 25 cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona features an overnight stay in port in Istanbul, then visits to Athens; Naples, Rome, and Florence, Italy; Provence, France; and Palma de Mallorca. On November 5, Celebrity Constellation will reposition from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida during a 14-night transatlantic voyage, featuring visits to Cartagena, Spain; Gibraltar; Madeira, Portugal; and Tenerife and La Palma, Canary Islands.

Guests who wish to extend their Istanbul experience can combine the October 13 roundtrip Istanbul cruise, the October 25 Istanbul-to-Barcelona cruise and the November 5 transatlantic cruise, without repeating any ports except Athens, for a 37-night extravaganza.

As the largest cruise operator in the region, Princess will provide myriad ways to explore the sixth largest country in the world (Australia) and the youngest country on earth (New Zealand). Princess itineraries range from classic Australia & New Zealand sailings to Australia & Asia adventures, aboard ships both large and small. Travelers can also opt to add a land tour to one of these voyages for a full land/sea adventure. Passengers can also choose to cruise "Aussie style" aboard Princess' three locally-based ships.

C"Australia and New Zealand have been long-time favorite destinations for us, that our passengers rave about every year," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "Because we have such an extensive local operation in the region, we have a unique understanding of these remarkable countries, and strive to present a rich ?down under' onboard program as well."

The delights of Australia range from distinctive Sydney Harbour and its iconic Opera House -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- to the expanse of the outback and the world's largest reef, the Great Barrier Reef. This unique land, famous for the unmistakable sound of the didgeridoo, also features the lowest population density in the world -- only two people per square kilometer -- plus more than 10,000 beaches, the most of any country.

Cruise passengers can explore the country's wineries, history and wildlife with calls in Melbourne and Hobart, Tasmania. Here travelers may catch a glimpse of Australia's many unique creatures, including kangaroos, koalas and the Tasmanian devil; ride horseback through the region's finest vineyards; or even visit the country's last penal settlement, the infamous Port Arthur.

If travelers choose to extend their time with an Australian cruisetour, they can experience much more of this surprising land. Highlights include the outback landmark Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, Australia's sacred Aboriginal site and the world's largest monolith. The Great Barrier Reef is famous throughout the world for its outstanding diving and snorkeling, brilliant tropical fish and scores of sea life. Northern Australia's Kakadu National Park surprises guest with everything from aboriginal rock art formations to an amazing habitat of birds and other wildlife.

When cruising through New Zealand, the one attraction guaranteed to get everyone up on deck is the scenic sailing through Fiordland National Park. This must-see attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the striking Fiordland crested penguin, as well as 14 towering fjords and five icy-blue lakes.

In "The Land of the Long White Cloud" passengers will also learn about the fascinating Maori culture and may take in an entertaining "haka" performance, a native dance. Near Tauranga, Rotorua's geothermal wonders also get attention with fascinating steaming craters, exploding geysers and boiling mud. In a country where there are nine sheep to every person, a trip to a farm for a sheep shearing or dog herding demonstration is also a popular option; and daredevils will fit right in with bungee jumping, which originated here. And New Zealand's spectacular scenery will make travelers feel as though they are in one of the many movies filmed here, such as "Lord of the Rings."

Passengers are sure to see a kiwi, whether it be the national bird; a delicious fruit (which were originally known as Chinese gooseberries, but renamed by enterprising New Zealand farmers once they started cultivating them for export), or simply the local people, who have become known as Kiwis themselves.

Princess offers several cruise options for exploring these dramatic countries, including voyages between Australia and New Zealand or Asia. Travelers can choose either a large amenity-filled vessel or small intimate ship, or they can opt to sail aboard one of Princess' three ships based in Australia year-round.

Australia & New Zealand sailings -- Princess offers exploring "down under" with a season of Australia & New Zealand sailings aboard Diamond Princess. These 12- or 13-day voyages travel between Sydney and Auckland, calling at Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), Fiordland National Park scenic cruising, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Tauranga along the way, with a call in Wellington, New Zealand also on the 13-day voyages. Sailings run from December 2011 to January 2012.

Australia & Asia sailings -- Travelers can visit the best of two continents aboard Diamond Princess with sailings between Sydney and Singapore or Beijing. The Australia & Asia itinerary takes passengers on a 19-day journey from Singapore to the Asia ports of Ko Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Mihn City, and Bali; plus Australian calls at Darwin, Port Douglas and Airlie Beach for the Great Barrier Reef. The 23-day Australia & China route also sails via northern Australia and adds ports such as Taipei, Nagasaki, Busan (South Korea), Shanghai and Dalian. Sailings depart November 27, 2011 and February 4, 2012.

Small Ship Experience -- Ocean Princess offers several journeys between Australia and the wonders of Asia or the beautiful islands of the South Pacific, featuring the intimate, classic cruising atmosphere of a small ship. The 20-day Australia & Asia voyages sail to northern Australia, including the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and Darwin; plus call in Bali, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Bangkok and Ko Samui in Thailand. Ocean Princess sets sail on November 12, 2011 and March 17, 2012. The ship's 16-day South Pacific & New Zealand voyages travel between Sydney and Papeete, Tahiti, with calls in Tauranga, Auckland, and the island paradises of Suva (Fiji), Apia (Samoa), Pago Pago, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Sailings depart on December 2, 2011 and February 29, 2012.

"Aussie Experience" sailings -- Locally based ships Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess offer "Aussie-style" cruising to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne and now Brisbane. Featuring Australian dollars as the onboard currency plus dining and entertainment options geared to Australian tastes, these sailings offer a true local experience to passengers from all over. Itineraries include voyages to Tasmania, New Zealand, Northern Australia and Round Australia sailings that circumnavigate the continent. These ships also feature sailings from Australia to the South Pacific, Asia and World Cruise options roundtrip from Sydney. Sailings depart throughout the May 2011 to May 2012 season.

The ship was carrying 2,600 passengers and a crew of 920 at the time of the incident and was returning to Jacksonville, Florida followinng a five day cruise to the Bahmamas. The exact cause of the power failure was still under investigation but it is believed that it was related to a failure in a generator.

The U.S. Coast Guard said marine inspectors boarded the ship off the coast of Jacksonville early Thursday morning and investigated the cause of the electrical fault before clearing it to return to Jacksonville. The ship arrived back in port at 10:00 am, about three hours later than scheduled and departed without incident on the next scheduled cruise.

Carnival issued a statement appologizing to passenger for the disruption to their vacation plans and offered passengers a 20 percent discount on any future two- to five-day Carnival cruise.

Prior to joining Carnival, Garaygay was a security professional for a major university in her native Philippines.

A member of the Professional Criminologist Association of the Philippines, Garaygay earned a master's degree in criminology from the Philippines College of Criminology. She has also completed Carnival's security instruction certified by the line's classification society, Lloyd's Registry. The training was presented in conjunction with numerous U.S. federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

Garaygay (second from right) is pictured here on the Carnival Liberty with Hotel Director Carlos S. de Melo (far left), Staff Captain Giuseppe Gazzano (second from left) and Captain Giovanni Cutugno.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	31.67	+ 3.43%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	23.91	+ 4.18%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	1.40	+ 0.72%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
Which liner featured a lounge called the "Boat 'n' Bottle Bar"?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
October 25, 1986 was the end of an era for Cunard Line. What was the significance of that date?

Answer - Saturday October 25, 1986 was the date QE2 arrived in Southampton at the end of her very last transatlatic voyage under steam. She departed Southampton for Bremerhaven later that day for her 6-month re-engining refit.
courtesy of Brian O'Leary, Montreal, Canada

Cruise News - July 5, 2010

Carnival Spirit will also offer two 15-day Hawaii sailings round-trip from Los Angeles and San Diego in 2011 and 2012, marking the first time the line has offered round-trip voyages to the Aloha State.

New Five- and Nine-Day Sailings from L.A.

Carnival Spirit's new Los Angeles-based schedule will encompass 12 departures between September 2011 and January 2012. Carnival also operates two ships year-round from nearby Long Beach, Calif. — the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise, operating three- and four-day Baja cruises, and the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor, sailing week-long Mexican Riviera cruises. Carnival will be the only cruise operator to homeport three ships in the Los Angeles area, providing consumers with a wide variety of affordable cruise options in Southern California and the surrounding region.

Carnival Spirit's five-day voyages will spend two days at the popular resort town of Cabo San Lucas, distinguished by its distinctive rock formations, lush landscape and gorgeous white-sand beaches, while nine-day departures will also feature a two-day call in Cabo San Lucas, as well as visits to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and La Paz.

Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort destination offering magnificent beaches and a host of shopping and dining experiences. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan is famous for white-sand beaches, and myriad fishing and diving opportunities. La Paz offers an awe-inspiring waterfront with excellent beaches and an abundance of snorkeling and diving experiences.

New 15-Day Hawaii Voyages

For the first time, Carnival will offer 15-day Hawaii voyages round-trip from either Los Angeles or San Diego, providing consumers with a more convenient and cost-effective means for visiting the breathtaking island chain. Both departures include day-long stops at five spectacular ports: Hilo, Maui (Kahului), Honolulu, Kauai (Nawiliwili), and Kona.

Hawaii is home to a diverse array of landside experiences, offering guests an opportunity to visit interesting historical sites, explore volcanoes and other natural landmarks, and soak up the sun on some of the world's best beaches.

Voyages operate round-trip from Los Angeles Dec. 2, 2011 and from San Diego April 13, 2012.

Carnival Spirit will continue to offer seasonal Alaska cruises as well as five- and nine-day Mexico cruises from San Diego this fall/winter and in 2012.

"Our guests cruise for many reasons, whether they're seeking an unforgettable vacation or celebrating life's most precious milestones," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Senior Vice President, Hotel Operations. "We have designed the new Personal Concierge position in order to help guests make their vacation with us a truly personalized experience, in a way that minimizes their effort but maximizes their enjoyment."

The Personal Concierge on each ship is an expert in matching Celebrity's onboard offerings to guests' individual desires for a particular event or experience. Guests don't have to be celebrating any special occasion to enjoy the Personal Concierge service. Personal Concierges also help guests to arrange private shore excursions, book spa and specialty dining experiences and more, for no other reason than to make the most of their vacation. Personal Concierges also handle the fine details of arranging onboard celebrations of personal milestones such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirement and graduation. The consultative services of the Personal Concierge are free of charge; guests only have to pay for the services and events arranged.

"Recently, a guest sailing on Celebrity Summit asked the Personal Concierge to assist in planning a special evening during which he intended to propose to his girlfriend," Lutoff-Perlo said. "The Personal Concierge spent time discussing the guest's ideal evening, and then created an unforgettable romantic experience. The Personal Concierge arranged for a table in the ship's specialty restaurant's exclusive wine cellar for dinner that evening, ordered a dozen red roses to be delivered to the table, reserved a table in the ship's nightclub and arranged for a bottle of chilled champagne to be ready for the guests upon their arrival there after dinner, and, while they were enjoying the evening, sent Celebrity's "Classic Romance" package of strewn rose petals, champagne, and chocolate-covered strawberries to their stateroom in order to continue the romantic theme throughout the evening. Throughout the evening, the Personal Concierge ensured that everything went smoothly, and the next day, the guest - whose proposal was accepted - expressed his sincere thanks."

This example illustrates the range of experiences designed for discerning cruisers who vacation on Celebrity Cruises' award-winning ships, which are known for outstanding cuisine and engaging, life-enhancing activities set against a backdrop of stunning spaces and compelling destinations.

Featured ports on this voyage include Palma de Mallorca and Malaga, Spain; Los Palmas, Canary Islands; and Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, each offering interesting historical sites, excellent beaches and a host of shopping, dining and sightseeing opportunities.

The transatlantic crossing follows the ship's inaugural schedule of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona beginning May 1, 2011 – the line's first departures from that port. Following the crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the largest ship ever based at the port year-round.

As the line's newest "Fun Ship," Carnival Magic will offer many exciting amenities including a spectacular water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a wrap-around promenade with whirlpools that extend out over the ship's sides, and expansive spa and children's facilities.

Also featured will be a variety of stateroom choices, including deluxe ocean view accommodations with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families; cove balcony cabins located closer to the water line; and spa staterooms that provide special access and benefits. A number of new innovations are scheduled to be announced in the near future.

"We are delighted to have Michele join our team," said Fain. "We feel Michele's extensive international and domestic accomplishments and experience in corporate communications leadership roles will make her invaluable when the company needs to deliver clear and consistent messages across the organization and to the public."

A highly versatile communications professional with over 25 years of experience, Nadeem has achieved success in the fields of transportation, logistics, crisis/issues management, internal/external communications, reputation management, technology (software solutions), analyst relations, public and private sector relations, corporate sponsorships, social responsibility, community relations and healthcare.

Most recently, Nadeem was the vice president of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Media and Industry Analyst Relations for DHL Express US (part of DPWN/Deutsche Post) and a member of the parent company's global Corporate Communications Counsel. While at DHL, Michele led and developed an 18-person team, formulated internal and external strategies for brand visibility, strategic relationships with media and analysts and was also the spokesperson for breaking news, US Congressional Hearings, and crisis situations. Prior to her role at DHL, Nadeem founded multinational PR agency Media Boston International (MBI), and served as the president and CEO. In this role, Nadeem grew the agency internationally and led clients such as the US Department of Transportation, US Army, US Merchant Marine Academy, Teradyne, IDC, Samsung and Siemens. Before this, she worked in corporate communications at Siemens, where she started her international work experience. Nadeem began her career in television news.

Nadeem holds a Master's of Science degree in Broadcast Journalism, magna cum laude from Boston University and a Bachelor's of Arts in Economics and Speech Communications from Boston College.

Company	Today's Closing Price	Change (since last week)
Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)	30.62	- 4.61%
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL)	22.95	- 9.32%
Star Cruises (HKSE:0678.HK)	1.39	- 5.44%

Cruise News Trivia Question:
October 25, 1986 was the end of an era for Cunard Line. What was the significance of that date?

Answer - Will be published in next week's column along with the name of the first person to submit the correct answer. Send your answer to cruise2008@travelpage.com

Last Week's Question
Here's one from a 1967 booklet put out by the Trans-Atlantic Passenger Steamship Conference - What is the name of the small rope, tied to the end of a hawser on a ship. The rope is thrown ashore, and by it one end of the hawser is hauled to the pier.

Answer - The small line attached to a hawser while docking is called a "heaving line".
courtesy of Bill Richards, Highlands, NJ